Insecurity: Ogun Deploys Armed Guards, Warns Against Harboring Bandits

The Ogun State Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen security across the state amidst concerns over the reported infiltration of bandits into the South-West region.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, on Friday, the government assured residents that it remains firmly in control of the state's security framework. This control is achieved through robust collaboration among security agencies and local security operatives.

According to the statement, one of the key strategies involves deploying armed security guards to protect farmers in their fields while conducting regular security patrols.

 “The recent reported influx of bandits from the North into the South-West coincided with the recent security meeting of the heads of security agencies in Ogun State. After a careful review of the state of security, the agencies resolved to redouble their efforts to sustain the unprecedented peace and tranquility the state has been enjoying in the past few months, especially during the recently concluded Christmas and New Year celebrations, leaving no room for destabilizing infiltration of bandits from any part of the country,” the statement read.

The government highlighted that the state's current security arrangements were evident in the peaceful atmosphere experienced during the festive period.

The statement further revealed a renewed focus on intelligence-driven operations, community partnerships, and visible security presence in all areas. “Our security agencies have revitalized their winning formula and strategies, including visible presence in every nook and cranny of the state, patrols, manning of key and vulnerable points, blackspots, intelligence-led operations, community partnership, and inter-agency cooperation,” it added.

Residents were reminded of their civic duty to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities, especially the presence of unfamiliar individuals in their communities. Farmers were advised to employ armed security guards and erect surveillance structures to ensure safety in their farms.

“Local hands have been deployed to help mount surveillance at farms to assist their safe entry and exit. Farmers are encouraged to enhance visibility in and around their farms through lighting and the erection of security towers,” the statement urged.

The Ogun State Government acknowledged its ongoing partnership with Oyo State in intelligence-sharing to monitor the movement of suspected bandits around their shared borders. It emphasized its readiness to counter any threat posed by such infiltrators.

“We already have some useful tips for a well-honed agenda to annihilate the bandits should they step into Ogun State. In pursuit of this legitimate goal, all ethnic groups in Ogun State—Yorubas, Hausas, Igbos, Fulanis, Edos, Igalas, Urhobos, Ebiras, and others—are united by a common goal to jointly fight whoever comes to disturb the peaceful environment in Ogun State,” the statement noted.

The government also issued a stern warning against aiding or harboring criminals. “It is important to reiterate the State Government's warning to decisively deal with anybody who procures or provides accommodation for any bandit of any ethnic extraction to operate in Ogun State. Such a person will face the wrath of the law,” the statement concluded.